Rugby

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Defending champion New Zealand has moved to quash media reports that veteran midfielder Sonny Bill Williams is about to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup because of injury.

New Zealand media has been alive Sunday with reports the 34-year-old Williams, who is appearing at his third World Cup, is about to become the second All Black to be forced out of the World Cup in Japan before the tournament begins.

Rookie rower Luke Jacobson, 22, pulled out of the tournament on Friday after displaying previously undiagnozed symptoms of concussion.